This train of events, which in its severest form may lead to 

 eventual amputation, is preventable. 



Shoes, foot coverings, gloves, and body clothing must be kept 

 dry, as explained in the previous chapter. This is best done by 

 changing clothes or making camp and actually drying out clothing. 

 Foot coverings should not be tight fitting. Any constriction of 

 an extremity must be avoided. Tight fitting shoes should be re- 

 placed in an emergency by a makeshift covering made from avail- 

 able cloth materials such as parachute silk or blankets. 



Immersion and trench foot result v^hen temperatures at or just 

 above freezing are associated with wet conditions. In addition, 

 personnel are usually wearing constricting shoes or leggings. The 

 constant wetness, cold, and constriction cause swelling of the ex- 

 tremity with a softness and discoloration of the skin. The pre- 

 vention is a dry, well-fitting foot covering. Otherwise, massaging, 

 elevating, and warming the feet will do much to prevent damage, 

 if instituted early. Final treatment is similar to that for frozen 

 extremities. 



All personnel living in arctic shelters must be constantly on the 

 alert for carbon monoxide poisoning. Under cold conditions, 

 effort is usually made to keep warm, while ventilation is cut down. 

 Coal or oil fires and engine exhaust are the usual sources of carbon 

 monoxide poisoning. This colorless, odorless gas first affects a 

 person by a slight headache, a feeling of drowsiness. The affected 

 persons should either leave or be removed to other quarters, arti- 

 ficial respiration begun and oxygen given, if available. 



TREATMENT AND EVACUATION OF CASUALTIES 



A man who is wounded in the Arctic will be in grave peril of 

 freezing. Suffering from shock and inactivity because of his 

 wound, he may be an easy victim to the effects of cold. It is essen- 

 tial that he be provided quick warmth, shelter, and first aid treat- 

 ment, followed by earliest evacuation back to base and medical 

 treatment. 



SURVIVAL AND EMERGENCY UVING 



Survival in the Arctic demands the intelligent use of all means 

 at one's disposal. Every item of material and equipment that is 

 available is capable of many uses and adaptations. 



The Arctic covers a wide and varied environment of mountains, 

 plains, swamps, and water areas, with temperatures ranging from 



186 



